Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Waterkeeper to participate in upcoming public hearings: Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI), Cameco conversion facility, and TransCanada Energy East pipeline
Through the Participant Funding Program, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper recently received funding to participate in three upcoming intervenor hearings later this year.
Bringing the “Swim Drink Fish prism” to the Climate Summit of the Americas
Waterkeeper Mark Mattson is flying to Mexico to attend the Climate Summit of the Americas as a panelist. As the event approaches, Mark considers the immensity of what the event aims to achieve. And what better way to approach the enormous challenge of climate change than looking at one thing: water.
Toronto Island Lake Swim: Perfect time to get your feet wet
One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to help protect your watershed is to simply experience it. Jump in the lake and connect with it. It’s no surprise that when we found out about Toronto Island local, Kathleen McDonnell – who swam in the lake every day for a year, all 365 days – we had to get in touch with her.
Madhu Nagaraja: Get to know your community by jumping into your lake
Some of the greatest adventures are experienced when we least expect it. So if you’re looking for some inspiration to get yourself excited for the upcoming Toronto Island Lake Swim, look no further. Madhu Nagaraja swam in his first open-water race in 2003. Since then, Madhu has taken on some of the greatest open water challenges that mother nature has to offer – including swimming across Lake Ontario.
Is it really cleaner to swim in a pool or the lake?
After learning about the possibility of contracting illnesses and infections from a trip to the beach, many people ask us if it “safer” to swim in pools. And you might be surprised by what we found out.
Breaking barriers with one simple message: “I am Lake Ontario”
If you live in Lake Ontario’s watershed, and your drinking water comes from Lake Ontario, our new tote was made just for you! Find out why the message it carries has the ability to start a ripple across the watershed.
When I see sewage pollution: A plea to all who love the lake
The sight of sewage debris in any waterbody is disturbing. And despite the dry weather, Waterkeeper is still finding sewage debris. So if you're one of the thousands who visit the shoreline, we're hoping you can help be our eyes on the water. Here's why.
Muskoka Brewery and Evergreen: Two Canadian organizations teaming up to create a swimmable drinkable fishable future
We are always excited when we encounter emerging water leaders – those who choose to take action to protect their watershed. We're also excited when we find out people and organizations want to support our efforts. This summer, two organizations took interest in our recent work to monitor Toronto's inner harbour, and we couldn't be more thrilled.
Canadians heading into Rio’s polluted waters – what’s all the fuss?
With the Rio Olympics starting tonight, there's been a lot of talk about Rio's polluted waters. We've seen all of the articles – and there are a few. But one of the most perplexing and shocking things we've noticed are the comments from Canadian athletes saying it isn’t as bad as the pollution in Canada’s waters. Is this really as surprising as it sounds? Mark weighed in on this topic and shared his thoughts here.
Tools for pollution reporting, research, and protection
Do you know what pollution looks like out on the water? Have you ever wanted to do something to fight pollution? Waterkeeper recommends three free, user-friendly services to help you protect your waterbody from pollution.